littleneck

American  

[lit-l-nek] / ˈlɪt lˌnɛk /

noun

1. the quahog clam, Venus mercenaria, when young and small.

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Etymology

Origin of littleneck

1850–55, named after Little Neck Bay, N.Y., where it was once plentiful

Example Sentences

Over the years sand should filter through its holes and extend the shallow, gently sloping habitat favorable to native littleneck clams.

From Seattle Times

Barber led a study of four decades of data that revealed the native littleneck clam population has been declining, while butter clams had gradually increased but were more recently beginning to decline.

From Seattle Times

Many different clams can be harvested, such as the Manila, butter and littleneck clams.

From Seattle Times

Here, namesake littleneck clams once thrived without assistance.

From Seattle Times

Over time, the sturdy but porous structure should capture sediment on its upland side and expand the shallow, gently sloping habitat for things like butter clams and littleneck clams.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• mollusk